Probably one of the best books to describe how to attain personal power and gifts. It was written as a prequel to Magnificent Obsession, which refers often to the journal kept by Dr. Hudson, a journal which dramatically changed the life of Bobby Merrill. I've tried the formula and it works! Some rhetoric about the possibility of WWI is amusing considering that the same rhetoric is touted about nuclear war.

Lloyd C. Douglas' The Robe has become my favorite book. I came upon the book quite by accident a few years ago, and I have since read it 3 times. This book is not just a great religious novel, it is a great novel. Even if the reader is not a Christian, he/she will find it hard to put down. The reader is drawn in from the very first paragraph. Douglas certainly has a knowledge of ancient Rome and Judea, and he uses historical references to great effect. The characters are some of the most richly crafted I have ever read. The tale works on many levels: a love story; a tale of suspense; a tale of political intrigue; and, ultimately, a triumph of the human spirit and the power of personal redemption. For those without a clear view of Chritianity (which is easy to understand these days), this book is for you. While a novel, this book is probably a fairly accurate portrayal of the early Jesus movement in Judea and in Rome. This book should be on every bookshelf.

Not your grade school level reading, this book is written, like Michael Angelo paints! Douglas has truly done his homework on this one, taking the reader back in time, as if he/she were living in the cypress studded hills of Rome. The true focus here is on the ever-developing character of Marcellus, the son of a wealthy senator (and the books main character). As he works his way through the political battlefield of the times, one can't help but wonder how the author mastered the detailed elements contained within this brilliant novel. In the end, the reader comes away both moved and humbled by the trials, tribulations, and subsequently noble characteristics, of a man so affected by the spiritual aura, of the Robe.

It would be nearly impossible for Hollywood to live up to this book, but if they ever make the movie right, it will surley be a blockbuster to inspire the masses!

I happen to love Jesus and I am enthralled with history and reading classics. All three of these fit "The Robe". This book was a bit long to get through, but the story was beautifully written and adds a dimension to the life of Christ that we do not read about in the Bible. I found it to be a wonderful companion to the Truth and highly recommend it to anyone looking for more depth and rounding out of their understanding of Who Jesus is. I also really liked the fact that what the protagonist goes through in the story, around 2000 years ago, can be applied to how we respond to Christ yet today. Searching? Take a bit more time than you usually spend on a book and find "The Robe".

A friend recommended this book to me and I thought I'd read it over Easter weekend. It is a well-written book but it was also slightly disappointing because it wasn't as well thought-out as I had hoped. This book was barely about Peter the disciple ~~ it was more on the feud between Israel and Arabia. Fara's mother was married to Antipas, one of the leaders of Galilee only he treated her poorly. She comes home to raise their daughter, Fara, and when she died, Fara promised revenge on her father. She travels to Galilee ~~ and meets John the Baptist and Jesus and Peter ~~ and her life changed. However, Voldi, the man she loves, came to find her and to extact the revenge.

Only very little did it talked about Peter and the disciples ~~ and I was rather disappointed since I was hoping for more insights in the religious men that started a new religion that has transformed the world. It was a very fascinating book ~~ don't get me wrong, just not what I expected it to be.

If you are looking for a good read with a historical theme ~~ this book is it. If you are looking for a book that has more of a biological overtone to it ~~ this book is not it. It is a good read ~~ and will leave you satisfied.

4-25-03

This book is an historical novel based on the life and death of Christ and the start of the Christian movement. I am not a Christian but I still loved this book. It is as moving as watching a film like Ben Hur. This book would definately re-affirm a borderline Christian's faith.

This book is first-class. This book is similar to "The Robe." It has every element of a great work- romance, adventure, history, and depth. Don't throw this one back!

Magnificent Obsession encourages one to be a better person for purely selfish reasons. The key is to do for others anonymously for the good it will derive you. This book picks up the story where Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal leaves off. A young man, Bobby, is on a course of mediocrity and indifference. He becomes inspired by Dr. Hudson, a respected surgeon who has an idiosyncratic view of life, through a freak accident. When he lives and Dr. Hudson dies, Bobby becomes obsessed with redeeming himself in the eyes of the community and more importantly redeeming himself in his own eyes. To do so, he must find out Dr. Hudson's secret and implement it. This is an excellent book with a morality lesson that is necessary for today' society. Unfortunately, since it was written many years ago, it's references and dialogue is somewhat stilted and dated. Fortunately, the message of dealing with others in a compassionate way while allowing them to keep their dignity will never be stilted or dated.

Having read and loved THE ROBE, another of Lloyd C. Douglas' books, I began reading THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION with high expectations. The book greatly exceeded my expectations. It presents many important messages about Christianity without sacrificing entertainment.

THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION is a story of the conversion and faith journey of a troubled young man. In order to be at peace with himself about the negative effects his poor decisions and actions have on a beloved surgeon, Robert Merrick begins a series of philanthropic deeds. He follows in the path of Jesus Christ, the perfect model of philanthropy, and in the paths of others before him, including the surgeon whose death may have been prevented if it were not for the reckless actions of Merrick. He becomes consumed with the task of helping others--sacrificing his time, effort, and money in order to do so. Merrick asks that stories of his good deeds are not spread in order that he may be rewarded in a more meaningful way than glory. Christ teaches people to be humble and not seek glory on earth but in heaven. The messages of Christ appear frequently throughout the book.

As a result of Merrick's philanthropic deeds and newly developed spiritual life, he gains a more "powerful personality," the goal of all his efforts. His life is turned around and he greatly affects the lives of many others. His actions are emulated by those around him. One many can truly help to change the world.

This book shows that humanity on the whole is good if humanity is able to overcome worldly temptations. THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION helped me on my faith journey and I believe that it would have the same effect on other readers. I recommend this book to all Christians as it provides the messages of Christ in a clear and modern way.

Some books come and go; some linger a while then fade from memory; some stay on the shelves just for decoration. But "Magnificent Obsession" is a book you keep to read over and over and over again.

Though it's over seventy years old, its story applies just as well today as when it was first written, and Douglas' tight writing style is just right for today's reader. He can be descriptive when he needs to be, but for the most past he keeps things mercifully brief as compared to some of his more florid and verbose contemporaries. An amazing amount of action takes place in an equally amazingly small number of pages.

It's true; the story does show its age at some points. But that only adds to the charm. The characters are finely drawn and believable; the spiritual message is powerful but subtle--Douglas doesn't try to club you about the head with the scriptures--and the O. Henry-esque ending is wonderful, if telegraphed. It's an overused cliche', but this is one book that really does belong on every shelf, and one which should be considered required reading at every school.